The Rural Livelihood Development Programme (RLDP) financed by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and implemented by a consortium of HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation and Swisscontact came to an end in December 2015 after ten years of implementation. In 2015, it engaged in an extensive process of Capitalization of Experience to derive lessons learned focussing on three topics: Programme Management applying the Market Systems Development (MSD) approach, Contract Farming and Gender Mainstreaming. All three topics are available as short and long versions (see download section). Hands on experience in a challenging context like central Tanzania – a must read for MSD practioners!

This website remains available as source of information but will not be further updated. Thanks to all who have contributed to the achievements of RLDP!

A gender assessment commissioned by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) in 2010 identified various gender specific shortcomings in its programmes in Tanzania, including the Rural Livelihood Development Programme (RLDP). In the aftermath of the evaluation the Rural Livelihood Development Company (RLDC), which is implementing RLDP, launched gender trainings for its staff and assigned gender focal persons amongst its partners. In addition, since 2011 one business analyst is specifically in charge of gender issues.

Mariam Paul, 50, is a farmer in Sanjaranda, Manyoni district, Tanzania. Together with her husband she grows maize for subsistence and selling as well as sunflower and chicken for cash. While not the poorest in her village, Mariam was often short of cash when school fees were due or when an unforeseen occurrence happened. Money was always a worry and investment in new business ventures was not an option.

sasa nimeelewa

Changing gender dynamics within the Rural livelihood development programme